In the world of cinema, casting decisions can shape the very fabric of a film’s legacy. Recently, a deep dive into the casting history of iconic movies has revealed a fascinating list of over 40 actors who were almost cast in legendary roles, showcasing a realm of “what could have been.”

Among the most notable near-casts is Tom Selleck, who was initially considered for the role of Indiana Jones before Harrison Ford ultimately took on the iconic adventure seeker. John Travolta was also close to stepping into the shoes of Forrest Gump, a role that would go on to define Tom Hanks’s career. In the galaxy far, far away, Leonardo DiCaprio was in the running for Anakin Skywalker, a character that would eventually be portrayed by Hayden Christensen.

The casting landscape was filled with near-misses. Molly Ringwald famously turned down the lead in “Pretty Woman,” a decision that paved the way for Julia Roberts’s stardom. Similarly, Sean Connery passed on the role of Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings,” which Ian McKellen would immortalize. Mel Gibson was in talks for the role of Maximus in “Gladiator,” while Hugh Jackman was initially considered for the coveted title of James Bond.

In another twist of fate, David Schwimmer declined the role of Agent J in “Men in Black,” which propelled Will Smith to new heights. Even the beloved character of Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” was almost portrayed by Eric Stoltz before Michael J. Fox took over. The list continues with Jennifer Lawrence auditioning for Bella Swan in “Twilight,” and Ryan Gosling initially cast as Jack Salmon in “The Lovely Bones.”

As fans reflect on these almost-cast scenarios, one thing is clear: the choices made by actors and filmmakers can drastically alter the trajectory of cinematic history, leaving audiences to wonder how different their favorite films might have been.